Mwawi too busy to join Queens on TZ trip

Malawi Queens prolific goal attacker Mwawi Kumwenda will not be part of the squad travelling to Tanzania for the African Netball Championship despite being named by the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM).

Mwawi, who plays for Peninsula Waves of Victorian Netball League (VNL) in Australia, will not be available because of her team’s hectic schedule.

Queens are supposed to leave for Tanzania on May 5, according to NAM president Rosy Chinunda.

Mwawi on Thursday told Nation Online because of the importance of her club games, she will not be allowed to travel to Tanzania.

“We are at a crucial stage now and we want to maintain the top position, so I will not take part in the African Netball Championship. I would have loved to be there, but I have an obligation to my team,” said Mwawi.

She has been averaging 88 percent shooting in each game Waves have played, according to coach Robyn Pym.

Mwawi is currently the top scorer for her team as well as the VNL.

Meanwhile, NAM has said it is yet to receive communication from Waves about Mwawi’s engagements with the Australian side.

“It will be a setback if she is unavailable for the games. We are yet to receive communication from Waves management. She is an important player for us,” said Chinunda.

Ten teams, including Queens’ continental rivals South Africa, have confirmed participation at the Tanzania tournament.

But the return of Tina Kamzati; and also the consistency of Blue Eagles Sister goal attacker Joyce Mvula could be a relief to caretaker coach Sam Kanyenda.

Twenty-two players will be in camp for 12 days, competing for 12 places in the squad to travel to Tanzania.

Government, through Sports Council, has released K8 million (about $48 000) towards the trip. The event runs from May 8-18.

Zambia, Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi and hosts Tanzania will take part in the championship, according to NAM.